"How municipalities transition to renewable energy and address problems" by Ju-Ying Yang

Date of Award

1-1-2023

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of Public Administration and Policy

Content Description

1 online resource (v, 150 pages) : illustrations

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Jennifer Dodge

Committee Members

Gang Chen, William Saxonis, Hongtao Yi

Keywords

Case studies, Energy transitions, Renewable energy, Renewable energy sources

Subject Categories

Public Administration

Abstract

The dissertation revolves around the central theme of municipal transitions to renewable energy, with a comprehensive exploration presented through three interconnected papers. Each paper addresses unique aspects of the overarching theme while complementing and building upon the findings of the others. The first paper serves as the foundation, developing a model of local energy transitions and emphasizing the significance of contract risk management for municipalities to achieve complete energy transitions. It highlights the potential setbacks and incomplete transitions that can occur without effective contract risk management. Expanding on the initial model, the second paper identifies different pathways and explores the variations in energy transitions. It delves into the reasons behind potential failures or delays, providing valuable insights into the complexities of the transition process. The third paper addresses gaps in the existing literature and investigates mayoral motivations, the paradoxical support for fossil fuels, and the interplay between policy learning and lock-in dynamics. By doing so, it not only offers guidance for future research but also provides practical information for practitioners in the field. Collectively, these three papers form a cohesive body of work that delves into the multifaceted aspects of municipal energy transitions. They significantly contribute to our understanding of the challenges, motivations, and strategies involved in transitioning to renewable energy at the municipal level. By interlinking their findings and insights, they provide a comprehensive examination of the topic, open doors for further research and exploration, and offer valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners in the field of sustainable energy transitions.

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